Much is said about depression and it is not uncommon for an individual to present symptoms of sadness, disturbances of humor, lack of interest in activities you used to like, and after you go to the doctor you receive a diagnosis of depression. But do we know which is the best drug for treating depression? In this Psychology-Online article, we are going to explain the types and functions of antidepressants, which is the most effective medication and also which is the best treatment for depression. Keep reading to know what is the best medicine for depression.
Index
- Types and functions of antidepressant medications
- What is the most effective medicine for depression
- What is the best treatment for depression
Types and functions of antidepressant medications.
In the pharmaceutical market there are many types of antidepressant drugs, we will explain each of them.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
This drug treats depression by making the levels of
Thus, this remedy blocks the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in neurons. In this way, more serotonin is available to improve the transmission of messages between neurons. They are responsible for improving the mood of the individual and alleviating the symptoms of moderate to severe depression.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
This type of drug works by effecting changes in brain chemistry and communication circuits. of brain nerve cells that are known to regulate mood, to help alleviate depression. They work by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. They are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and chronic pain.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI)
It is a drug that is intended to relieve depression because it works by affecting the neurotransmitters used to communicate between brain cells. It was the first antidepressant developed, it is effective, but it has been replaced by other safer drugs with fewer side effects.
A strict diet is necessary to use this drug due to dangerous interactions with some foods, medications, and even herbal supplements.
Atypical Antidepressants
These antidepressants are not common, as they differ from other classes of antidepressants. Each of them is a unique drug that works differently from the other.
They are responsible for change the levels of one or more neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, or norepinephrine.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
They are responsible for block the reabsorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine, which increases the levels of these two neurotransmitters in the brain.
Even though it is a type of antidepressant that causes many side effects, it can be a good option for some people who in certain cases other treatments have failed.
Tetracyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
They are antidepressants that act on various neurotransmitters. Responsible for affecting brain chemicals to alleviate symptoms of depression. Among all types of antidepressants, this is what causes fewer side effects.
In the following article, you can see more information about the types of antidepressants.
What is the most effective medicine for depression.
In the market there are many variations and differences between drugs, since the mechanism of action is different for each class of antidepressant and consequently will have different effects on each type of patient. To know which is the best drug for depression we have to take into account the individual's profile in relation to the following factors:
- Symptoms: Symptoms of depression can vary from person to person. Some individuals, for example, may be suffering from sleep problems while others are not.
- Side effects: some individuals may experience side effects with one type of medication while another may not.
- Interaction with other medications: there are individuals who, in addition to treating depression with drugs, use other drugs for other diseases, we must be attentive to the interaction between substances as many times they can be dangerous.
- Pregnancy: In the case of women who are pregnant, it is common to suspend the use of medications, but that is an issue to be discussed with your doctor, as some drugs offer a risk to pregnancy. In this article, we talk about Safe antidepressants during pregnancy.
- Cost: some drugs can be expensive, so it is necessary to verify the existence of a generic version that serves the same efficacy.
It is important to say that for the individual to obtain a better result with the use of the antidepressant, it is It is essential that you be patient, as these drugs take a few weeks to start working. Here we explain why antidepressants take time to work. They should also take it in the correct way in relation to the schedule and dosage.
Finally, combining antidepressant use with psychotherapy results in significant improvements.
What is the best treatment for depression.
The best treatment for depression is one that truly improves the life of the individual. Of course, there are cases of mild depression even the most serious, so when the person observes symptoms of depression, his first attitude should be to seek a doctor and a psychologist.
The doctor will make an evaluation regarding your symptoms, choosing the best antidepressant that suits your profile to start treatment with a drug.
Parallel to this, the individual must seek psychological help by frequenting psychotherapyIt is important for the person to talk about their thoughts and emotions, since the objective of psychotherapy is to help the individual to produce changes in their life. In the following article, we explain the Psychological treatment for depression.
Finally, in addition to the doctor and the psychologist, it is up to the individual to actively participate in this process, making some changes in your routine habits, looking for activities that allow you to feel good, be a meditation, chat with friends, listen to music or whatever you want, but change is very important, no matter the speed, what matters is taking the first step towards changing your life.
This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to What is the best medicine for depression, we recommend that you enter our category of Psychopharmaceuticals.
Bibliography
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Recovered from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. Recovered from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20044970
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Tricyclic antidepressants and tetracyclic antidepressants. Recovered from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/es-es/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046983
Medline Plus. (2020). The most prescribed antidepressants and how they work. Recovered from: https://magazine.medlineplus.gov/es/art%C3%ADculo/los-antidepresivos-mas-recetados-y-como-actuan
